Part II

Mr. Perotti likes to analyze symbolism in literature. Every object, action, or character can carry deeper meanings that go deeper than  surface level. In Crime and Punishment, the city of St. Petersburg itself becomes a symbol of Raskolnikov’s mental and moral descent, its dark, oppressive atmosphere mirrors his own internal turmoil. The frequent mention of water, particularly in Raskolnikov’s dreams, symbolizes purification and a desire for redemption. By analyzing the symbolism in a text, readers can uncover hidden themes and ideas that may not be immediately obvious.

Mrs. Alexander enjoys analyzing literature through the lens of reception. Both contemporary and older reviews have their benefits. Older reviews can help one understand a text’s initial impact on critics and their first impressions. They can also show the intellectual frameworks of the time, such as psychoanalytic or Marxist critiques. Modern reviews help us understand a book’s longer-term impact and its demographics. Comparing the experiences of the author and their beliefs to the major demographic of readers can be very insightful. Watching a film or TV adaptation can provide a similar perspective by showing how a book was interpreted for a more modern audience. Looking at whether a book is cited in contemporary academic texts or taught in schools can reveal its impact on the modern world. Researching its global impact, translations, and foreign reviews can deepen our understanding of how a book resonates with different audiences.

Ms. Diniz analyzes literature through a gender lens, examining how gender roles, identities, relationships, and power dynamics are represented and challenged within the text. This approach begins with a close look at characterization: do male and female characters conform to traditional gender roles, or do they subvert them? Are they portrayed as autonomous individuals, or are their identities shaped by societal expectations? Are common tropes related to domesticity (e.g., the nurturing mother or the dutiful wife) utilized? Analyzing power dynamics is essential as well—who holds power in the narrative, and how is it maintained? Are women depicted as victims of oppressive systems, or as agents of change? Are female characters fully realized individuals with their own motivations or merely plot devices? One should also consider the intersection of gender with other social factors, such as race, class, and sexuality. How do these intersecting identities shape characters’ experiences and influence the overall narrative? Identifying underlying power structures, such as patriarchy, white supremacy, or ableism, can provide a deeper understanding of the text.

One can also apply an LGBTQIA+ lens, focusing on the social context, prevalent tropes, and the author’s identity. Are LGBTQIA+ characters fully developed, or do they fall into stereotypical roles (e.g., the shy, closeted character; the flamboyant gay man; the butch lesbian)? Is the world they inhabit hostile to their identity, or is it more inclusive? Understanding the time period in which the author wrote and the cultural climate surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues can deepen the analysis. Combining a gender lens with an LGBTQIA+ perspective allows for a more nuanced exploration of the text, especially when examining the author’s own identity. Does the author rely on stereotypes, and if so, why? Are they a member of the groups they write about, and how does that affect their portrayal of these identities? For example, in the 1953 play Picnic by William Inge, the author uses several gendered tropes, such as women’s desire for marriage (e.g., Rosemary) and the contrast between the “smart” and “pretty” girl (e.g., Madge and Millie). Analyzing these tropes through a gender and LGBTQIA+ lens helps us understand how Inge’s perspectives on gender and sexuality shape the narrative. Additionally, examining whether an author engages in rainbow-washing or queerbaiting (using LGBTQIA+ characters only for publicity) can offer a deeper critique of how LGBTQIA+ identities are represented and commodified in literature.